Manager, Annual Giving Communications

Towson University•Towson, MD

About The Position

This role involves developing and executing a strategic marketing and communications plan for annual fundraising campaigns. The Manager will be responsible for creating content across various platforms, including electronic solicitations, direct mail, website, social media, and marketing materials. This includes writing clear, engaging content tailored to different audiences and styles, such as success stories, articles, and brochures. The position requires managing the entire content creation process from drafting to finalization, including coordinating approvals and revisions. Additionally, the role supports annual giving days, philanthropy engagement centers, and ensures adherence to university brand and campaign standards. Collaboration with University Marketing and Communications and the Senior Director of Advancement Marketing is key. The Manager will also be responsible for updating annual giving webpages and online giving platforms, and working with team members to ensure timely and effective distribution of solicitations. Developing and maintaining reports, mailing lists, and mail merges using Salesforce, Excel, and Word is also part of the role, as is coordinating with the campus bulk mail center and external printers for direct mail distribution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Demonstrated understanding of media relations, and digital communication strategies.
Strong editing and researching skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Outstanding interpersonal skills.
Collaborative mindset.
Ability to build effective working relationships across departments, teams, and campus partners.

Nice To Haves

Two years of related experience.
Degree in related fields such as Communications, Marketing, English/Creative or Professional Writing, or a relevant Humanities discipline.
Experience with CRM platforms such as Salesforce.
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
Background in fundraising, donor relations.
Understanding of Towson University's philanthropic community.

Responsibilities

Develop a strategic marketing and communications blueprint for successful annual fundraising campaigns.
Manage the creation of content for electronic solicitations, direct mail, marketing/reading materials, website content, social channels, and acknowledgements.
Create written and graphic material in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Write clear, grammatically correct, and engaging pieces in different styles for various content types and audiences, including articles, alumni/donor success stories, remarks, talking points, web content, and brochures.
Work independently to create content on deadlines through all stages of work: submit drafts, complete text, coordinate clearance processes, synchronize revisions, and finalize written product.
Fulfill additional writing and outreach assignments as needed, such as annual giving day and the philanthropy engagement center.
Coordinate with University Marketing and Communications and Senior Director of Advancement Marketing to develop content and ensure adherence to university brand and comprehensive campaign standards.
Initiate, solicit, and/or develop story ideas that bring the theme/message to life.
Provide content updates on the annual giving webpages and support the assistant director to ensure the online giving platform is updated.
Work collaboratively with University Advancement team members to ensure solicitations are approved, tested, and sent out on time.
Work with divisional colleagues to develop interviews and stories for stewardship and fundraising purposes.
Develop, create, and maintain customized reports, mailing lists, and mail mergers using Salesforce, Excel, and Word.
Coordinate with campus bulk mail center and external printers/mail houses, oversee and manage the distribution logistics for direct mail.
Collaborate with the university's procurement office when needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.